The Laboratory is accredited by NABL. The spectrum of services provided include primary diagnosis and monitoring of patients on therapy for hematological malignancies and also the preoperative and postoperative hematological evaluation in surgical patients. The laboratory does more than 200,000 tests annually which include complete Hemogram, coagulation studies, bone marrow examination, flow cytometry and molecular diagnostics. A detailed breakdown is given in the table.

Total number of tests done in hemato-Pathology laboratory in the year 2007

Name of the Tests

Total Number

Routine Hematology

1,93,405

Complete Hemogram

1,74,339

Manual Differential Counts/MP/Reticulocyte counts/ RBC Morphology

16,115

ESR

2951

Coagulation studies

71,130

.

Prothrombin time

35,353

Partial thromboplastin time

35,353

Fibrinogen degradation products

178

Fibrinogen

246

Bone Marrow Aspiration Smears

4773

Cytochemistry

2273

Immunophenotyping

1735

Molecular diagnostic Tests (RT-PCR)

2039

Body Fluids for cell counts & Morphology

1183

Trained laboratory staff is also well versed with the quality system manual of the diagnostic services and the quality control methods. Staff takes adequate precautionary measures regarding infection control. Laboratory participates in external quality assurance program for hemogram and coagulation tests. Vacutainers and microtainers are used for sample collection. Turn around time for hemogram test is 2 hours, for coagulation test is 4 hours, for bone marrow reporting is 3 days. Housekeeping and waste management is done as per the hospital waste management policy.

Research activities:

The laboratory research is primarily focused on Hemato-oncology, especially incorporating morphology, flow cytometry and molecular techniques, with regular publications in national and international peer reviewed journals. The Laboratory staff participates in conferences and continuing medical education programs thereby fostering greater awareness levels among staff. The laboratory conducts an inter-laboratory comparison program for immunophenotyping by flow cytometry in Mumbai city.

Academic activities:

The laboratory has an active academic program for MD Pathology residents, DM Medical Oncology residents, scientists and technical staff. In addition, qualified pathologists, scientists and UICC fellows from all over country and abroad are provided advanced training as observers. It conducts weekly academic sessions for MD and DM students and also for the technical staff. The laboratory conducts national and international meetings, with staff participation in talks and meetings at other centers.

Each year there are two posts advertised for senior residency in the laboratory starting in February. Minimal qualification is MD Pathology and selection is through a competitive interview.

Candidates who wish to join us as an observer for one month may write to Officer In-charge, Hemato-pathology Laboratory with a brief bio-data.